Middle School Director Update

Dear Families, Students and Community Members,

Preparing To Transition Through 

Year 9 and 10 students have hit the ground running as they return for a fast-paced Term 4.  It is hard to believe that Semester Two is coming to an end and preparations for HeadStart 2027 have already begun!  Over the coming weeks, students will be completing assessments, preparing for exams and looking towards the next stage of their learning. Compass communications and the College calendar will keep families informed about key dates and upcoming events as preparations for the 2027 academic year continue.

Year 10 – Exams and the Transition to VCE

With Semester Two exams just four weeks away, Year 10 students are approaching an important period of coursework completion, benchmark assessments and exam preparation. Compass lesson plans provide information about assignments, homework and assessment deadlines.

From Week 5, students will begin preparing for exams by organising learning materials, developing revision schedules, completing practice questions and seeking feedback from teachers. These experiences are particularly valuable for students undertaking the VCE-University Pathway in 2027, as they provide an introduction to the expectations and routines of VCE examinations.

Exams are also an important learning experience for students entering the VCE Vocational Major. Although this pathway has a different assessment structure, students are still required to manage deadlines, complete coursework and meet VCAA requirements, including the Year 12 General Achievement Test (GAT). Developing time management, organisation and the ability to demonstrate learning under pressure are valuable skills across all senior secondary pathways.

This period also provides an opportunity for conversations at home about study routines, managing competing commitments and the transition to senior secondary learning. Understanding how students are approaching these challenges can help families celebrate progress and identify where encouragement or support may be useful.

Year 9 – Exploring Possibilities and Planning for the Future

Year 9 students recently completed Morrisby testing, which helps them explore their strengths, interests and potential career pathways. The results offer a starting point for considering Year 10 subject choices and the many possible directions available beyond school.

Throughout 2027, students will have further opportunities to explore future pathways through work experience, individual careers meetings, and TAFE and university visits. These experiences will help students build their understanding of further education, training and employment options as they prepare for the transition to senior secondary studies.

Year 9 is also an important time for developing the learning skills that support success in the Senior School. Organisation, time management, responsibility, meeting deadlines and seeking help when needed all contribute to students becoming more independent and confident learners.

As students begin thinking about their interests and aspirations, conversations at home can play a valuable role in exploring possibilities and considering future opportunities. There is no single pathway to success, and these discussions provide a chance for young people to share their ideas, ask questions and begin thinking about what they might like their future to look like.

School for Student Leadership – Celebrating Excellence

Mordialloc College is proud to offer four Year 9 students the opportunity to attend the Department of Education’s School for Student Leadership. This term-based residential program combines practical and reflective learning with a values-based curriculum focused on independence, responsibility, resilience, teamwork and conflict resolution. Students also plan and implement a community project.

During Term 2 this year, Charlotte J, Alex F, Ruilin Z and Mimi M attended the Gnurad-Gundidj campus. In Term 3, they returned to collaborate with Kingston Council on a native planting project along the Mordialloc Creek community walking track.

The project involved ongoing communication and collaboration with Council, presentations to the school community and coordination of a group of Year 7 student volunteers. Through this work, the students demonstrated initiative, leadership and a strong commitment to making a positive contribution to their local community.

We congratulate Charlotte, Alex, Ruilin and Mimi on their achievements. Their commitment and leadership have been outstanding, and they have represented Mordialloc College with distinction.

Angela Holloway

Director Middle School